RBE No.149/1985 5-day week – Introduction of

No.E(LL) 85/HER/1-15, dated 24.05.1985

Sub: Introduction of 5-day week in the administrative offices of the Government of India.

1. The Government of India have considered the question of introduction of 5-day week in the administrative offices of the Central Government in the context of improving efficiency in administration. The matter has also been discussed with the staff side of the National Council of the JCM. Taking into consideration all aspects of the proposal, the Government of India are pleased to introduce 5-day week in the civil administrative offices of the Government of India with effect from 3rd June, 1985. Such Government offices would now work for 5-days a week from Monday to Friday, with all Saturdays as closed. To make up for the closed Saturdays, the working hours per day during the 5 days of the week when the offices are open will be increased by one hour.

2. Accordingly, it has been decided that the Railway offices in Delhi/ New Delhi will have office timings from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. with half an hour lunch break from 1.30 p.m. to 2.00 p.m.

3. In so far as Railway offices outside Delhi/ New Delhi are concerned the total working hours would not exceed 7-1/2 hours excluding lunch break, but the office timing may be decided by the Central Government Employees Welfare Coordination Committee (where it exists) or by the Head of Office (where such a Committee does not exist in consultation with the representatives of the recognized Unions/ Staff Councils. All the Central Government Offices located in one place should have the same office timings, either 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. or 10.00 a m. to 6.00 p.m.

4. The above orders will be applicable to such of the Railway offices which at present observe second Saturday of a month as holiday in terms of this Ministry’s letter No.PC-58/HW-1/1, dated 04.06.1960.